carbon tetrachloride

carbon tetrachloride

a clear, colorless, mobile liquid used as a solvent. The most common route of poisoning is by inhalation of its vapors; it can also be absorbed through the skin. Toxicity results from depression of central nervous system activity and degeneration of the liver and kidneys. Signs of acute poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and in severe cases anuria that can be fatal. Since the toxic concentrations are below the odor threshold, carbon tetrachloride should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

car·bon tet·ra·chlo·ride

a colorless, mobile liquid having a characteristic ethereal odor resembling that of chloroform; it is used as a cleansing fluid and as a fire extinguisher, and has been used as an anthelmintic, especially against hookworm.

carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)

a colorless, volatile toxic liquid used as a solvent. CCl4 is particularly toxic to the kidneys and liver; permanent damage to these organs may result from exposure.

carbon tetrachloride

A volatile liquid used as a solvent and cleaning agent (dry cleaning), and in fire extinguishers and refrigerants.

ToxicityToxic to the CNS, liver and kidneys; may cause coma or death.

carbon tetrachloride

CCl4 Toxicology A volatile liquid used in dry cleaning and fire extinguishers

car·bon tet·ra·chlo·ride

(kahrbŏn tet-ră-klōrīd)

A colorless, mobile liquid having a characteristic ethereal odor resembling that of chloroform; used as a cleansing fluid and as a fire extinguisher. Synonym(s): tetrachloromethane.

carbon tetrachloride

a clear, colorless, mobile liquid; the inhalation of its vapors can depress central nervous system activity and cause degeneration of the liver and kidneys. It has now been replaced as a fasciolicide so that poisoning by it is not as common as it used to be. It is a potent hepatoxin especially in sheep, in which it can cause serious losses at dose rates which on most occasions are innocuous, and in cattle when it is administered by mouth instead of by injection.

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